Documents are associated with assumptions of truth, authenticity and originality, yet a document is not self-evidently true.Documents are susceptible to manipulation, and archives are always the result of historical choices.The work of many artists is characterised by a critical attitude towards authenticity and originality.

The exhibition consists mostly of works from the collections of Kiasma, featuring both recently acquired pieces and some that are on loan.We hope that the exhibition will inspire visitors to reflect upon their own attitudes towards documents, memory and historical events.

Many contemporary artists work in ways that have a similarity to the documentary method, capturing elements of reality in their work.Others use archive materials in their art.The documentary appearance of an artwork can also be a carefully constructed impression – documents are not self-evidently true.